Pacific landscapes and the beauty of the Caribbean Sea, picturesque mountain slopes with a healing climate, jungles untouched by civilization, paradise archipelagos - all this attracts travelers from all over the world. And although holidays in Panama among Russians are not as popular as, for example, in, this country deserves the attention of our compatriots. Moreover, since 2014, Russians can come here without unnecessary bureaucratic delays - the Panamanian authorities unilaterally introduced visa-free regime for citizens of the Russian Federation. And since 2015, Panamanians also do not need an entry document to visit Russia.

Visa-free entry

The trip will save time and money, since in 2019 a visa to Panama is not required if the trip is of a tourist, business or transit nature and lasts less than 90 days.

When going on holiday to this country, Russian travelers should only prepare main set of documents:

  • International passport with a “reserve” of 3 months;
  • Return air tickets to Russia or a third country;
  • Financial guarantees ($50 per day, but not less than $500 for the entire trip for one tourist). Cash, bank statements, and travel checks are suitable as proof of financial solvency.

After checking the documents, a stamp with the date of entry is placed in the passport. This is where the countdown of time that can be spent in Panama begins. Exceeding the permissible period of visa-free residence in the state is punishable by a fine of $50 for each month overstayed. What is important is that the violator will not be released from the country until the fine is paid.

How to get there?

There are no direct flights between Russia and Panama. Therefore, you need to take care of a transit visa for the countries where the transfer will be made. The flight is carried out by several airlines:

  1. Air France with a connection in Paris;
  2. KLM connection in Amsterdam;
  3. Aeroflot - Washington or Los Angeles;
  4. Iberia - Madrid;
  5. Lufthansa - Frankfruit am Main.

For Russians, the most convenient option is to purchase tickets from KLM, Lufthansa and Iberia. Then you don’t have to worry about obtaining Schengen transit visas. But it is worth keeping in mind that with this option, the passenger does not have the right to leave the airport transit zone and go into the city.

If you have an American visa, you can use Aeroflot services at a lower cost and purchase a ticket with a transfer in Washington or Los Angeles.

Obtaining a visa at the Embassy

Russians visit Panama visa-free only for tourism purposes, in the case of business or private visits, or transit. In all other situations, including for employment and long-term study, a visa to Panama is issued.

To do this you need to prepare a set of papers:

  • A valid foreign passport, the document must have a “reserve” of 3 months.
  • Two photos measuring 3x4 cm.
  • Round trip air tickets.
  • Application form in English or Spanish with the signature of the applicant (issued on site).
  • Hotel reservation with confirmation. For a private trip - an invitation from a resident of Panama (certified by the mayor's office at the place of residence of the host).
  • Certificate from the employer (company details, salary, position).
  • Students provide a certificate from their educational institution.

For children

If you plan to apply for a child visa, then a separate set of papers is prepared for the minor, additionally attaching:

  1. Birth certificate;
  2. Notarized consent to leave the Russian Federation from the remaining parent or from both parents if the child is accompanied by a third party.

We remind you that children over 14 years old can leave Russia only with a personal foreign passport; those under 14 years old must be entered into the document of their mother or father.

Important point: At the border, you must provide the original consent for the child to leave the Russian Federation with a Spanish translation. If it is not possible to obtain consent from the second parent (due to his absence, death, deprivation of parental rights, etc.), then a document confirming this fact is needed.

Registration procedure

The applicant submits the prepared papers to the consular department of the Panamanian diplomatic mission. The application is reviewed within 3-7 days. There is a fee for issuing a visa in the amount of $75. Documents are accepted from 09.00 to 12.00 hours.

Medical insurance

The policy is not included in the set of mandatory documents. However, it is recommended that you take care of obtaining medical insurance before your trip to avoid unnecessary financial expenses in case of illness or injury.

Vaccinations are not required to visit the state, but there are health risks when visiting some regions of Panama. It is advisable to get vaccinated against malaria if you plan to live in provinces bordering. For long-term stays in Derien, Kula Yan, Colon, vaccination against yellow fever is recommended. When visiting the jungle there is a risk of being bitten by wild animals, so you need a rabies vaccination.

Customs regulations